A nurse is caring for a client who has a cardiopulmonary arrest. The nurse anticipates the emergency response team will administer which of the following medications if the client's restored rhythm is symptomatic bradycardia?
Magnesium
Sodium bicarbonate
Epinephrine
Atropine
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because magnesium is not a medication for symptomatic bradycardia. Magnesium is a mineral that regulates muscle and nerve function, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Magnesium can be used to treat conditions such as torsades de pointes, eclampsia, or hypomagnesemia.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because sodium bicarbonate is not a medication for symptomatic bradycardia. Sodium bicarbonate is a substance that neutralizes acids and bases and regulates the pH of the blood. Sodium bicarbonate can be used to treat conditions such as metabolic acidosis, cardiac arrest, or overdose of certain drugs.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because epinephrine is not a medication for symptomatic bradycardia. Epinephrine is a hormone that activates the sympathetic nervous system and increases the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to the muscles and brain. Epinephrine can be used to treat conditions such as anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, or severe asthma.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because atropine is a medication for symptomatic bradycardia. Atropine blocks the action of the parasympathetic nervous system and increases the heart rate and conduction. Atropine is a medication that blocks the action of the parasympathetic nervous system and increases the heart rate and conduction.
Symptomatic bradycardia is a condition where the heart rate is slower than normal and causes symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, or fainting. Atropine can be used to treat symptomatic bradycardia by stimulating the sinoatrial node and the atrioventricular node, which are the natural pacemakers of the heart.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is: B. Initiate oxygen therapy.
Choice A reason:
Attaching the leads for a 12-lead ECG is crucial for diagnosing a myocardial infarction. However, it is not the first priority. Ensuring the patient receives adequate oxygen is more critical to prevent further myocardial damage. The ECG can be performed immediately after oxygen therapy is initiated to confirm the diagnosis and guide further treatment.
Choice B reason:
Initiating oxygen therapy is the first priority because it ensures that the heart muscle receives adequate oxygen, which is essential to prevent further damage during a myocardial infarction. Oxygen therapy helps to maintain tissue oxygenation and can reduce the extent of myocardial injury. This immediate intervention is vital to stabilize the patient and improve outcomes.
Choice C reason:
Inserting the IV catheter is important for administering medications and fluids. However, it is not the first step. Oxygen therapy takes precedence to ensure the heart and other vital organs receive sufficient oxygen. Once oxygen is administered, IV access can be established to facilitate further treatment.
Choice D reason:
Obtaining a blood sample is necessary for confirming the diagnosis and assessing cardiac markers. However, it is not the immediate priority. Ensuring the patient is oxygenated is more urgent to prevent further myocardial damage. Blood samples can be drawn after oxygen therapy is initiated.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice a) is incorrect because troponin is not an enzyme, but a protein. Enzymes are molecules that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Troponin does not have this function.
Choice b) is correct because troponin is a protein that binds to calcium and regulates the contraction of heart muscle fibers. When the heart muscle is injured, such as in a myocardial infarction, troponin leaks into the bloodstream and can be detected by a blood test. The higher the level of troponin, the more severe the damage to the heart.
Choice c) is incorrect because troponin does not help transport oxygen throughout the body. That function is performed by hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells.
Choice d) is incorrect because troponin is not a lipid, but a protein. Lipids are fats that are used for energy storage and cell membrane formation. Troponin does not have these roles.
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